What to know About Benin's Recruitment of 5,000 Soldiers to Fight Terrorism

Benin is strengthening its defense system by recruiting 5,000 new soldiers to join its army. The recruitment process started last weekend with the physical tests that took place in several cities and towns across the country. The candidates will also undergo medical examinations and training before being deployed to the northern borders where Benin faces terrorist threats.

Why this recruitment?

The government announced this special recruitment last year as part of its strategy to secure the northern regions of Benin that have been targeted by terrorist attacks since late 2021. Benin shares borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, two countries that are struggling with jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

In February 2022, nine people, including a French national, were killed in two separate explosions in the W National Park, a wildlife reserve that spans across Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. In April 2022, five soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device in the Pendjari National Park, another protected area in the north of Benin. These attacks have raised concerns about the spillover of violence from the Sahel region into the coastal West African states.

Who are the candidates?

The government plans to recruit 5,000 soldiers in total, but for the first batch that is currently undergoing the selection process, only 3,500 will be retained. Among them, 2,000 will be recruited based on their qualifications in fields such as mechanics, driving, masonry and others. The candidates are required to be between 18 and 25 years old and to speak at least one local language spoken on the borders of Benin with Burkina Faso. According to the government, these criteria aim to ensure that the new recruits have the skills and the knowledge needed to operate in the northern regions.

What is next?

After passing the physical tests, the candidates will have to go through medical examinations that will start on June 17, 2023. Those who succeed will then join the training phase for six months in several military camps and garrisons in the center and north of the country. The training will be provided by Beninese instructors as well as African and Belgian experts for specific modules. After completing their training, the 3,500 soldiers will be integrated into the Beninese armed forces and deployed to the northern borders where they will face the terrorist threat.